It has become one of the most feared grounds in the country. A ground that is more a fortress than a football stadium. Legend goes that even the great Barcelona would struggle to get a result there, a fortress so powerful that it would repel the enchantments of that master sorcerer Lionel Messi. I am talking of course about the Britannia stadium, where Liverpool will aim to continue their fine start to the season.
Moving away from the hyperbole for a second, there is no doubt Stoke will provide a stern test for the Reds and the match will give the clearest indication yet of how much Liverpool have progressed under Dalglish. They have floundered at the ground in recent years and were easily beaten in last season’s corresponding fixture. Winning at stoke has become an acid test for top teams and usually it is seen as an indication of a team’s title winning credentials. This is not strictly true for Liverpool by the dint of them not being title challengers, but the match is still important to continue their early season momentum. Losing to Stoke would not be disastrous, but it would plant seeds of doubt in the minds of those affiliated with Liverpool. A defeat would effectively destroy any lingering hopes of the title, but it would also provide sobering evidence that Liverpool are far from the finished article.
However if Liverpool were to win, then the rays of optimism and expectation that currently shine over Anfield would be glow a bit brighter. To win at Stoke after an international break, would speak volumes about the Reds new found character and vitality under Dalglish. It is obvious Liverpool travails in recent seasons have come away from home; at Anfield they have remained solid. A win at Stoke may just send those expectations into orbit.
Liverpool will not have to face primary slingshot Delap who is side lined but they have a few injury concerns of their own. Gerrard is still not fit enough to play and Adam sustained a hip injury at the weekend which may keep him out. Which means young Henderson may start alongside Lucas. As for Stoke they will have to make do without Delap but still have plenty of options for those long throws, and they now have Crouch to add even more height.
Stoke like Liverpool remain unbeaten this season and will be confident of getting a result against the Reds. The potters in many ways represent the best of the English football (intensity, physicality, passion) and the worst (lack of technique, ugly route one football and overreliance on set pieces). That should not take away from the sterling job Pulis has done, and no one should blame him for playing to his team’s strengths.
So can Liverpool do it on a cold wet night in Stoke? Well it won’t be cold or dark it may be wet but it will definitely be taxing. Liverpool will be primed for a physical barrage and a feverish atmosphere. Dalglish will tell his troops to carrying on playing the sharp incisive football that demolished Bolton and avoid getting dragged into a war of attrition. If Liverpool overcome this hurdle then who knows how high they can soar.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Click here to have a look out our predictions for the 2011/2012 Premier League Season!
Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season